Pope John Paul II Speaks to Youth

Week Thirty-Two

May he so strengthen your hearts in holiness... (1 Thessalonians 3:13)

"Do not be afraid to be holy! Have the courage and humility to present yourselves to the world determined to be holy, since full, true freedom is born from holiness." --Pope John Paul II, Santiago, Spain

Think About That

Sometimes we are afraid to be holy because we think it means we have to be better than others. But holiness isn't about being "better than others." It is about living our lives like Jesus lived his life. It is that simple.

Take Action

Take some time to write down three ways in which you are a holy person. In other words, write down three ways in which you already live your life like Jesus lived his life. Now, write down three more ways that you'd like to live your life more like Jesus did. This week your goal is to try to live like Jesus, especially in these additional three ways.

Say A Prayer

Jesus, help me to not be afraid to live my life the way you did. Help me to be like you each day.

Did You Know?

John Paul II has received all of the Presidents of the United States during his papacy, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton.

My Dear Young Friends, a collection of fifty-two weekly reflections on living in the Spirit, invites young people to read and act on Pope John Paul II's inspiring addresses to young people gathered at annual World Youth Day celebrations. Please visit www.smp.org for more information from the publisher, Saint Mary's Press.